MARCH 26, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in St. Francois County on Sunday, March 27, 2022, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Bonne Terre Police Patrolman Lane A. Burns.  

On March 17, Patrolman Burns was mortally wounded when he and Corporal Garrett Worley were ambushed after being dispatched to a local motel for a disturbance call. Corporal Worley was critically wounded. Burns and Worley returned fire, killing the gunman. 

“This month, over the course of just 10 days, three Missouri police officers were senselessly gunned down as they did their jobs,” Governor Parson said. “First in Joplin, and then in Bonne Terre, we lost three fine men who selflessly chose to risk their own lives to protect others. The murder of Lane Burns reminds us of the tremendous debt we owe to the heroes of law enforcement, who take on violent criminals that threaten the safety of our communities. We will forever remember Lane Burns for the valor he displayed as he confronted crime and protected others.”

Patrolman Burns, 30, graduated from Mineral Area College Law Enforcement Academy in 2012 and had served with the Bonne Terre Police Department for five years.

Patrolman Burns’ funeral will be held on March 26, and he will be laid to rest on March 27. The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Patrolman Burns is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here. 

MARCH 25, 2022

Jefferson City — Earlier this week, Governor Mike  Parson concluded his latest international Trade Mission, which included visits with key officials, businesses, and organizations in the United Kingdom and Ireland. During the Trade Mission, Governor Parson participated in several meetings to build international relationships while promoting Missouri as an ideal business location and trade partner.

“It’s always exciting to highlight Missouri’s strengths, and this Trade Mission was a tremendous success in showing international partners what the Show-Me State has to offer,” Governor Parson said. “Missouri has significant cultural and economic connections to the United Kingdom and Ireland, and we appreciated the opportunity to strengthen our relationships. Missouri is an ideal business location, and this mission allowed us to further promote our state’s advantages to global business leaders.”

Trade Mission Highlights - United Kingdom and Ireland

Global Ireland

Governor Parson met with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs’ Global Ireland team to discuss Missouri and Ireland’s common industries and priorities, in addition to ways the state can partner with Ireland on an ongoing basis to support Missouri companies in Ireland and Irish companies in Missouri. Ireland is a key trade partner for Missouri with more than $130 million in exports in 2021.

Churchill War Rooms

Governor Parson was honored to visit the Imperial War Museums' Churchill Museum and present Senior Curator Nigel Steel with an admission ticket to former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s famous “Iron Curtain” speech, delivered in Fulton, Missouri, in 1946. The gift serves as a token of the special relationship and kindred mission shared by the Churchill War Rooms in London and America’s National Churchill Museum at Westminster College in Fulton.

Reckitt

Governor Parson met with Frederick Dutrenit, Senior Vice President of Reckitt Benckiser Group, a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Slough, England, and the makers of Lysol. The meeting included members of the Reckitt senior team, who discussed the company’s presence in Missouri and potential for future investment in the state. Reckitt leadership also discussed issues impacting their Missouri employees and expressed interest in Missouri’s workforce training and apprenticeship programs.

BritishAmerican Business

Governor Parson promoted Missouri’s economic strengths at a roundtable hosted by BritishAmerican Business. The discussion included representatives of 14 companies evaluating expansion into the United States or who are already employing Missourians. BritishAmerican Business is a corporate network dedicated to promoting economic development for U.K. and U.S. companies with transatlantic business interests.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

Governor Parson met with Brian McNamara, CEO of GSK Consumer Healthcare, and Bart Darde, Global Head of Quality and Supply Chain of GSK Consumer Healthcare. GSK, a global healthcare company based in the United Kingdom, is the maker of Tums tablets, which have been produced in St. Louis for more than 90 years.

Agri-TechE and the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB)

Governor Parson took part in an ag-tech roundtable discussion hosted in Cambridge, United Kingdom, and met with members of Agri-TechE, an organization focused on the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of agriculture. The meeting was hosted by NIAB, a crop science organization. Governor Parson and Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn met with Agri-TechE members to discuss innovation in agriculture and agtech, Missouri’s proficiency in the industry, and opportunities for future cooperation.

The Trade Mission was funded by the Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit organization.

MARCH 24, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be lowered to half-staff at all government buildings in Greene County, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Friday, March 25, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Ebenezer Fire Protection District Firefighter Dustin W. Brandhorst. 

On March 18, Firefighter Brandhorst died in the line of duty when he was responding to a structure fire in Fair Grove and the firetruck he was driving traveled off Highway A and overturned.

Brandhorst, 35, had served as a volunteer firefighter with the Ebenezer Fire Protection District for three years. In 2019, he was honored for having served the most volunteer hours in the district.

“Dustin Brandhorst was a Missourian who exemplified one of our finest traditions – neighbor helping neighbor,” Governor Parson said. “In his three years as a volunteer firefighter with the Ebenezer Fire Protection District, Firefighter Brandhorst had accumulated over 2,000 hours of volunteer service and almost 800 hours of training, all so that he could help make his community safer. We will always remember his tremendous dedication to serving others.” 

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Firefighter Brandhorst is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here. 

MARCH 24, 2022

Kansas City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta), formerly known as Facebook, Inc., will locate a nearly one million-square-foot data center in Kansas City, investing more than $800 million and supporting up to 100 jobs. The data center, a first of its kind in Missouri, is expected to be operational in 2024.

“We’re proud to welcome Meta to Kansas City, Missouri, for this historic, cutting-edge development that will positively impact our state’s economy for years to come,” Governor Parson said. “The Show-Me State stands out as a rising technology hub due to our strategic location, skilled workforce, and business friendly climate. This unprecedented investment signals Missouri is open for business and that our state is a prime destination for high-tech leaders and innovators alike.”

Meta’s data center will be located in Kansas City’s Golden Plains Technology Park, a 5.5 million-square-foot data center campus. The site will be supported by 100 percent renewable energy, ranking it among the most sustainable data centers in the world, and add additional renewable energy to the region’s local grid. The facility will achieve net-zero carbon emissions and, on average, use 32 percent less energy and be 80 percent more water-efficient than the industry standard.

“Meta is excited to call Kansas City our new home. It stands out with so much to offer – good access to infrastructure and fiber, a strong pool of talent for both construction and operations, and more than anything, great community partners,” said Darcy Nothnagle, Director of Community and Economic Development at Meta. “Meta is committed to being a good neighbor and investing in the long-term vitality of the region for years to come.”

Among other factors, Meta chose to locate the facility in Kansas City for its central location, which offers improved network connectivity between coastal data centers. The Kansas City region also provides greater security, decreased risk of natural disasters and other threats, competitive energy prices, and options for renewable energy. Due to these and other advantages, the area is the third fastest-growing technology market in the nation. Kansas City has already ranked among the best cities for startups in the country, and provides a wide talent pool with the skills needed for technology jobs.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Meta to Missouri,” Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development Maggie Kost said. “Meta’s decision shows Missouri is a strategic choice for technology companies to expand and grow. We’re grateful to Meta and all of the state and local partners that made this project possible.”

“Kansas City is the most connected region in the U.S. with more than 5.5 million miles of fiber deployed. This infrastructure, coupled with a dynamic and robust talent pool, provides Meta the resources it needs for long-term success in our market, said Kansas City Area Development Council President and CEO Tim Cowden. “Meta’s selection of Kansas City, joining many other global tech brands in our region, puts a spotlight on our thriving tech industry. The region’s new state-of-the-art single terminal airport opening in March 2023 and our collaborative business community make Kansas City a top location of choice for other tech companies seeking growth.”

“Meta’s data center at Golden Plains Technology Park is a significant economic development investment and win for the Kansas City region,” said Evergy President and CEO David Campbell. “We know the company had a choice regarding where to site this major project, and we’re proud to be an essential partner to help make this a reality. We look forward to delivering clean, safe and reliable energy to Meta’s facility, supporting one of the most sustainable data centers in the world.”

For the building of its new data center, Meta plans to use the Data Center Sales Tax Exemption Program, a tool that incentivizes the location and expansion of data centers in Missouri. The Data Center Sales Tax Exemption Program was created by the Missouri General Assembly in 2015. Learn more about the Data Center Sales Tax Exemption Program.

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MARCH 17, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, acting on behalf of Governor Mike Parson, Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in Jasper and Newton counties on Friday, March 18, 2022, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Joplin Police Officer Jake Reed. 

On March 8, Officer Reed was shot and gravely wounded after responding to a disturbance call at a shopping center. He succumbed to his injuries on March 11 and donated his vital organs to several recipients.    

“Less than five years ago, at just 22 years of age, Jake Reed took an oath to protect his community, fight violence and run toward danger, no matter the risk to himself,” Lt. Governor Kehoe said. “Last week, his courage and commitment to safeguarding others cost Officer Reed his life. His heroic service and contributions to Joplin are magnified by the gift of life he provided to others through organ donation. We must continue to support Officer Reed's family and the heroes of law enforcement who sacrifice each day to make our communities safer.”

“Missouri’s law enforcement officers courageously respond to thousands of calls for assistance each day, regardless of the threats and challenges they may face,” Governor Parson said. “That’s what Joplin Police Officer Jake Reed did last week, and a violent criminal murdered the 27-year-old officer. We will always remember Officer Reed as a hero committed to protecting others. As we memorialize Officer Reed, Teresa and I continue to pray for his friends and family and the entire Joplin community. We will always be grateful for our Missouri law enforcement officers who answer the call each day.”   

Officer Reed graduated from Missouri Southern State University Law Enforcement Academy in May 2017 and joined the Joplin Police Department that same month.    

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Officer Reed is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here. 

MARCH 14, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, acting on behalf of Governor Mike Parson, Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in Jasper and Newton counties on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Joplin Police Corporal Benjamin Lee Cooper. 

On March 8, Corporal Cooper was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance call at a shopping center.   

“Benjamin Cooper devoted his life to bravely serving and protecting others, first as a soldier, and then as a law enforcement officer,” Lt. Governor Kehoe said. “In over 18 years in law enforcement, he honorably served as a patrolman, investigator, firearms instructor, SWAT officer, field training officer, canine officer, and internal affairs officer. Corporal Cooper’s senseless killing is a reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers willingly face each day to keep us safe, and of the debt we owe them for their courageous service.”

"Corporal Cooper served and protected his fellow citizens with honor and dignity," Governor Parson said. "Due to this heinous violence against law enforcement officers, Corporal Cooper's wife is now without a husband and daughters without a father. This must end, and shows why we must always support our Missouri law enforcement officers – who only wish to serve. Our hearts go out to Corporal Cooper's family and friends as they mourn his tragic loss. Teresa and I will be praying for them."

Corporal Cooper served in the U.S. Army from 1995 to 2001. He served in the Joplin Police Department from 2004 to 2008, when he left to serve as a deputy sheriff in Colorado. He returned to the Joplin Police Department in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2016.

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Corporal Cooper is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here. 

MARCH 8, 2022

Jefferson City — From March 11 - 19, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson will travel to the United Kingdom and Ireland for their third international Trade Mission. The U.K. and Ireland are key trade partners for Missouri, with nearly $354 million and more than $130 million in exports in 2021, respectively.

Consistent with Governor Parson’s infrastructure and economic development priorities, the goal of the Trade Mission is to build relationships with key international figures to promote Missouri’s strong capacity for trade.

“This is an exciting opportunity to support relationships with international companies, which are important to our state’s economic growth,” Governor Parson said. “Missouri-made products are sold and shipped to locations across the globe. I look forward to meeting with leaders and officials in the U.K. and Ireland as we continue promoting our state as an ideal location to grow and expand business.”

The Trade Mission will include stops in Cambridge and London, U.K., as well as Dublin, Ireland, to meet with government officials, diplomats, and business leaders to promote Missouri as a prime destination for business investment and expansion. Governor Parson will meet with company representatives that have existing relationships in Missouri to thank them for their investment in the state and companies without a presence in Missouri to encourage them to consider Missouri for future investments.

The nearly $484 million in goods exported to the U.K. and Ireland in 2021 show the importance of international trade to the state’s economic success. Among the goods exported to the U.K., non-electrical machinery and chemicals were among those in highest demand. Chemicals and fabricated metal products ranked highly among exports to Ireland.

United Kingdom Highlights

Governor Parson will take part in an ag-tech roundtable discussion in Cambridge with Agri-TechE, a business focused membership organization that supports the growth of a world-leading network of innovative farmers, producers, scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs who share a vision of increasing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of agriculture.

Meetings scheduled include the Chargé d’Affaires, ad Interim Philip T. Reeker of the U.S. Embassy in London, the Minister of State and Trade Policy, as well as a business roundtable with aerospace and advanced technology companies to discuss their future growth plans.

Ireland Highlights

Governor Parson will receive political, economic, and commercial briefings from the U.S. Embassy Irish Country team and meet with several Irish companies that have an existing presence in Missouri.

The Trade Mission is funded by the Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit organization. For updates on the trip, follow @GovMikeParson on Facebook and @GovParsonMO on Twitter.

MARCH 4, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced two judicial appointments to the 4th and 23rd Judicial Circuits. 

Brett Hurst, of Fairfax, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Atchison County in the 4th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Hurst currently serves as the Prosecuting Attorney for Atchison County. He earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture business management from the University of Missouri—Columbia and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley School of Law. Mr. Hurst will fill the Associate Circuit Judge vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Corey K. Herron to Circuit Judge.

The Honorable Edward L. Page, of Festus, was appointed as Circuit Judge for Division 2 of the 23rd Judicial Circuit.

Judge Page currently serves as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 23rd Judicial Circuit. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Louis University and a Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge Page will fill the Circuit Judge vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Darrell E. Missey to Director of Children’s Division.

MARCH 2, 2022

Jefferson City — On Monday, February 28, 2022, Governor Mike Parson granted 29 pardons and approved one commutation pursuant to Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Missouri. Official documents have been filed with the appropriate government agencies and are being sent to the individuals.

To review the names of the individuals granted clemency, please see attached. Governor Parson has instructed his legal team to continue reviewing clemency files and working to reduce the backlog inherited by his administration. 

2-28-2022 Pardons and Commutation.pdf

MARCH 1, 2022

Governor Mike Parson has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian national flag, beginning at sunset tonight, March 1, 2022, until sunrise on Friday, March 4, 2022, in solidarity with the Ukrainian people as they defend their country and democracy against Russian invasion.

“Starting tonight, we will light the Capitol dome blue and yellow to show that Missouri stands with the people of Ukraine and the defense of democracy," Governor Parson said. "In the face of unprovoked Russian aggression, Ukrainians refuse to back down or cower to a dictator. Missouri stands with and supports Ukraine, as the world again learns that freedom is not free. Democracy is a threat to power-hungry oppressors, and for that same reason, we must always protect it. Teresa and I continue to pray for the people of Ukraine, all innocent lives put in harms way, and a quick resolution to peace that protects the sovereignty and freedom of Ukraine."

"We join the rest of the nation and the world in expressing our condemnation of the attacks on Ukraine and this Russian assault on democracy," said Dean Plocher, Missouri House of Representatives Majority Leader. "We are proud that the Capitol dome will shine blue and yellow, showing that Missourians stand in solidarity with the freedom-loving people of Ukraine as they fight against Putin's tyranny." 

Pictures of the dome lighting will be available on Governor Parson's Flickr page.